Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management Hon. Mosese Bulitavu participated as a panelist in a panel discussion on “Marine Reserves – Safeguarding Biodiversity and Resource Security" at the World Governments Summit (WGS) 2026 in Dubai yesterday.
The high-level panel, moderated by CNN Anchor and Correspondent Ms. Eleni Giokos, brought together global leaders including H.E. Marie-May Jeremie, Minister of Environment, Climate, Energy and Natural Resources of Seychelles; H.E. Dr. Abdullah Bin Ali Al Amri, President of UNEA-7 and President of the Environment Authority of the Sultanate of Oman; and H.E. Bérengère Boëll, UN Resident Coordinator in the UAE.
During the discussion, Hon. Bulitavu highlighted Fiji and the Pacific’s role as custodians of vast ocean ecosystems that deliver global public goods, while bearing disproportionate conservation and management costs. He emphasised the need for international partnerships to move beyond short-term project support toward long-term co-investment in marine stewardship, sustainable financing, scientific research, and technology transfer.
Minister Bulitavu highlighted Fiji’s integrated approach to marine conservation through marine spatial planning, community-led locally managed marine areas, and the Blue Economy Framework, which balances the expansion of marine protected areas with food security, livelihoods, and sustainable tourism. He also shared Fiji’s experience in using nature-based solutions such as mangroves, coral reefs, and seagrass as natural infrastructure for climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction.
On financing conservation, Hon. Bulitavu outlined Fiji’s leadership in innovative mechanisms including blue bonds, blended finance, and debt-for-nature approaches, stressing that ocean protection must be treated as a long-term investment in resilience, food security, and climate stability.
He further highlighted the importance of regional cooperation through the Blue Pacific Continent framework and emerging transboundary marine corridors.
The discussion aligned closely with the WGS 2026 theme, reinforcing the role of innovative governance, international cooperation, and practical solutions in addressing global challenges such as biodiversity loss and climate change.
Minister Bulitavu concluded his remarks during the session by noting that achieving the global 30x30 ocean target would require credible implementation, strong governance, sustainable financing, and tangible benefits for local communities.